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Before downloading application - PLEASE see the sections of this page that discuss
GHF Qualifications and the Process involved in adopting from GHF
If you have a problem downloading the application - send an email to sweetbcrescue@citlink.net 
for the application in a Word format.

BORDER COLLIES VS.BORDER COLLIE MIXES

The popularity of the movie, Babe, and the agility shows on Animal Planet, have created a desire for many, many people to want a Border Collie as a pet.  So very often, our experience has been that children are driving this desire or some other rationale for having 'the smartest dog'.

GHF QUALIFICATION CRITERIA
for ADOPTION

We are happy to discuss your situation and the appropriate match for you since each dog requires something different.  However, we have specific criteria that we consider to be ideal for border collies or border collie mixes.  Please understand that in our experience, we feel this profile offers an incredibly satisfying life to a rescue dog.  Their life prior to a new home, has often been full of neglect whether it be in time or emotion and we feel it's our role to give them much, much more than what they've previously experienced.  There are exceptions to this list but by and large, we believe this breed thrives under these conditions.

1)  Fencing is required - invisible fencing is fine.  Border Collies need to run freely and do not do well in small outdoor pens, tied out or roaming freely where they often chase cars, deer and/ or children on bikes, all of which have been reasons for dogs to be relinquished into rescue.  They do best on at least one acre where they can actively race around and engage in activities such as frisbee or ball chasing.  If yards are smaller, then other free run locations need to be available.

2) Children must be 7 or older.  Border Collies do not generally mix well with young children.  Contrary to some popular perspectives that they make excellent family pets, they do NOT.  They are highly intelligent and do not understand why anyone pokes them in the eye, pulls their tails, throws things at them or any of the other assorted actions children unknowingly take.  Many, many, many dogs enter rescue due to nipping, growling and snarling in these situations.  Children 7 and older have a more solid respect which the dogs respond very well to.

THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE POLICY OF ADOPTING TO HOMES
WITH CHILDREN UNDER 7...WE DO NOT DO THIS ANY LONGER.  

After two biting incidents with perfectly trustworthy dogs, we no longer are willing to take this risk under any circumstances.  If your child is 6, then a puppy could be considered but no adoptions with children under 7 otherwise.  Dogs perceive small children as other dogs, not humans with any authority, so when any issue arises, the dog will respond just as they would to make another dog go away...growl, nip or bite.  Once a child is old enough to have some authority, the dog can better understand 
the alpha orientation needed to create safe relationships.  
And, no matter how attentive a parent can be, there is no way to 
continually monitor children with the vigilance that is necessary.

3) Not left alone more than 4 hours, unless with another dog.  Border Collies are bred to bond with someone so being left alone for 8 - 10 hours a day deprives them of the stimulation mentally, physically and emotionally that they need.  The requirement for exercise and interaction is intense which leads many professionals to relinquish dogs to rescue because 'they just don't have time for them and what they need'.  While many working people are excellent caretakers of dogs, we've found that the rescue dogs flourish when they can have companionship at a level they've never had.  The dogs bond deeply and they can blossom into stable, confident dogs.

4) Border Collie experience preferred:  If someone has experience with the demanding nature of the breed, they are given preference over someone who does not.  The reason being that until you experience the energy levels of these dogs, it's hard to clearly understand what's required.  We want to place dogs into homes ONCE, not have them bounce back because they are being a Border Collie for someone who discovers this dog is 'just too much to handle'.  On the other hand, many of the Border Collie mixes are perfect choices for people who want a smart dog but not necessarily an intense dog.  The mix, whether it be Labrador, retriever or whatever, tends to 'cut' the intensity a bit and allow for a more manageable dog. 

THE ADOPTION PROCESS 
      at Glen Highland Farm

The adoption process is designed to match appropriate homes with appropriate dogs.  While many dogs may be attractive to the eye, we are very careful to understand the lifestyle of each adopter since we clearly understand the individual dogs in our care and not all border collies are the same. 

For example, we have many dogs that will not tolerate a quiet life, yet others that will thrive on it.  They are as individual as people in their personalities so we strive for the ideal life for them.

There are five steps in the process:

1) Fill out an application via online or fax, we pre qualify you via phone

2) Visit with the dog, all family members should participate, including any other dogs. (Adoptions are by appointment only.   We welcome visitors (non-adopters) to the Farm but also by appointment only.)

3) A home visit and reference check is conducted.  If the distance is too far, we make arrangements other than the home visit.

4) The adoption then occurs.  A contract is signed which stipulates that any time during the dog's life, we will take the dog back if you cannot  keep them.

5) Follow-up is an important part of a successful adoption and we want to be a resource to help solve issues or questions as they arise, so there are periodic check-ins to say hello.

You can see Tigger here in action, AFTER, a long bout of testing 8 dogs...he's ravenous for his treat! 

Here's how it works - Tigger hangs out in our adoption office, waiting for the dogs to arrive.  He, by the way, is consulted on this 'job' of his to insure that this is what he wants to do.  So far, he's never said no.  So, he waits in the adoption office, usually up on the window sill.  The dog enters on leash and one of three things usually happens.  
1 - they  notice him and are very curious to see 'what' he is  
2 - they do notice him but seem uninterested   
3 - they notice him and are off to the races in pursuit (even though he hasn't even moved!)   
After the initial entrance test, they are led over to Tigger where the action intensifies or doesn't, whatever the case may be.  Tigger, by the way, is clearly in charge here, completely aware of whether his life is in danger or not.  When he purrs, it's quite obvious he's happy as can be, meeting another border collie.  Most of the time when he purrs, he then proceeds to nudge the dog, seemingly making friends.  Obviously, this means the dog passed the test.

So, for those of you who wondered how we can be sure, or at least, fairly sure.  
Here's what it's like when it doesn't work:
The dog strongly pulls toward Tigger...the hair on his back goes up...the dog is getting closer....he bolts...very familiar scene for a dog that is way too interested in cats for our taste.  
The other scenario goes like this:  The dog smells everything in the room and discovers Tigger, begins smelling intently and checking him out.  Tigger (the big difference) doesn't seem bothered at all, doesn't move and is still content.  This is a border collie that is curious (many are) and with supervision, will be just fine.  However, that doesn't mean that he/she won't chase the cat when they move, it just means they don't have heavy prey drive to hurt the cat.  
The last situation is this:  Dog enters; Tigger is calm, watching the dog, purring and interested, yet the dog actually avoids Tigger, completely intimidated.  That's obviously a great border collie to go with cats.

Our beloved Tigger has met 100's of border collies and border collie mixes and we are forever grateful for his enduring spirit in meeting these characters...thank goodness Tigger is such a good sport!